How to avoid the Christmas rush – shop locally in Dulwich

I’m having my usual festive panic!

Aaargh! We’re nearly half way through December. I haven’t put the decorations up yet. I’ve got back-to-back social engagements between now and Christmas Day. My liver is already about to explode. And my yuletide gift shopping is still yet to commence!

The thought of venturing into the West End at this time of year brings me out in a nervous rash. Instead, I will be shopping locally in East Dulwich. Not only will I pick up some excellent bargains, I’ll also be supporting local businesses. And, of course, I’ll give the best, most creative gifts on Christmas day, once again proving my loved ones only love me because I buy good presents.
Here’s a few of my friends and family and where I’ll be sourcing their gifts in East Dulwich:

Nieces and nephews under five

I’ve noted a great range of children’s toys and stocking fillers in the back room of Moo Too on Lordship Lane. Carved bookends, cute socks, little games. What one-year-old doesn’t need a ladybird handbag?
45 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich

The music lover

You might not think it from outside, but South London Music, by East Dulwich railway station, has a multitude of musical treats. The main attraction of this store is the huge collection of sheet music – and they’ll order anything in for you if they don’t have it in stock. Plus they sell CDs and even instruments if you’ve got a budding musician in the family. Also available online at slmusic.co.uk.
54 Grove Vale, East Dulwich

The dapper chap about town

Sebastian and Jules sells handmade cufflinks, laptop cases and i-phone covers, all using the finest fabrics and high quality materials. They make a perfect gift for the 21st-century gent who likes to be seen with the latest fashion accessory for the technologically minded. All products are made locally in East Dulwich and are available online at sebastianandjules.co.uk.

The bookworm

Chener Books in East Dulwich not only has a great selection of books, they’ll also order anything in for you with a little notice. Yes, it might be cheaper and easier to buy your books online from a certain retailer named after a south-American river, but come on people, support your local book retailer. (Independent bookshops are closing at an alarming rate. Let’s keep them going!)
14 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich

Everything else

There are a number of retailers in East Dulwich which I often, perhaps unfairly, refer to as ‘shops filled with unnecessary things’. The kind of shops which, if they closed down, nobody would really notice. But that said, they do come into their own at this time of year when I suddenly realise the need for useless tat and frivolous trinketry. Here are some of my favourites:

ed – clothes, amusing novelties and a great selection of cards
41 North Cross Road

Roullier White – stylish goods for the home, especially the kitchen and dining room
125 Lordship Lane

Celestial – trinkets, smelly things and jangly things. Great gifts for your Mum.
34 Lordship Lane

Willow – toys, stocking fillers and perfect gifts for someone else’s kids
33 North Cross Road

Where have you been shopping locally this year? Drop us a line or leave a comment below if you’ve got any good recommendations.
Image: thanks (with CCL) to Riv on flickr.